Denver Broncos land speedster Jaylen Waddle, securing a dynamic offensive weapon and reshaping their receiving corps with a massive trade.
The Denver Broncos came into free agency with some areas of need, including running back and possibly a top-end wide receiver.
The RB position was essentially set with J.K. Dobbins returning on a new deal, although the Broncos got off to a very slow start in free agency.
However, things took a massive turn early on Tuesday. Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reported that the Broncos were trading for Miami Dolphins star wide receiver Jaylen Waddle in exchange for "Premium draft pick compensation."
Rapoport mentioned that the two sides began talking at last year's deadline, but they were finally able to make ends meet on a deal.
And, here is the compensation for the Waddle trade.
Broncos receive: WR Jaylen Waddle, fourth-round pick
Dolphins receive: 2026 first-round pick (No. 30), third- and fourth-round picks.
So, the Broncos give up their back-end first-round pick this year as well as two other picks, although the fourth-round pick will end up being a pick swap with Miami.
In 2024, Waddle signed a three-year, $84 million extension with the Dolphins, meaning he is under contract through the 2028 season.
The Broncos had just hosted Indiana WR Omar Cooper Jr. on a top-30 visit, but with the first-round pick now gone, that likely changes their draft approach this time around.
There were rumors about a possible AJ Brown trade, but Dianna Russini of The Athletic debunked that after the Waddle trade went through.
What Jaylen Waddle Brings is What the Broncos Needed
Waddle was selected sixth overall in the 2021 NFL Draft by the Dolphins after an impressive career at Alabama, which is a hotspot for wide receivers.
Waddle began his career with three straight 1,000-yard seasons, including a career-high 1,356 yards and eight touchdowns in 2022.
In 2024, he had a career-low 744 yards with two scores and 58 receptions, and 2025 he had 64 catches for 910 yards and six scores.
However, the Dolphins' offense did not do well the past two years, Tua Tagovailoa struggled, and plenty of issues surfaced in Miami.
The Broncos have Courtland Sutton and Troy Franklin as top options for Bo Nix, but landing a big-play wide receiver was seen as something of a priority for Denver this offseason.
And, Waddle is just that, and he is just 27 years old with three more years left on the contract, so it is a solid move by the Broncos.